Leeds United: Everything said about Ao Tanaka amid rumoured Elland Road exit

Leeds United's Ao Tanaka has an uncertain future ahead of him this summer.

The Japanese international has been away with his country, fighting for glory at this year's World Cup.

Japan have made it through to the knockout stages of the competition, with Tanaka having started in the last two games for his country.

He will now face Brazil in the Round of 32, and is poised for another start in the heart of his nation's midfield.

But it's not only Japan fans who love the 27-year-old, as he is also a big favourite among the Whites supporters.

However, Leeds fans face an anxious wait over what happens with Tanaka, as his future in LS11 is far from clear.

Everything we know about Ao Tanaka's possible exit

Tanaka was in and out of Daniel Farke's team last season, but gained a more important role towards the end of the campaign.

He played a big part in helping keep the Whites in the Premier League, but now Paraag Marathe and Co. may look to upgrade on him to stabilise in the big time.

In an interview in May, opening up on exit rumours, Tanaka said, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post: "There were transfer talks in winter, and I thought about leaving, but I still wanted to play in the Premier League."

However, The Athletic reported on 4 June that Leeds' resolve could be tested if they receive a "significant" offer for the midfielder this summer.

Bundesliga side and Europa League finalists SC Freiburg have been tipped as one club with interest in Tanaka, with Schalke 04 also previously interested.

It's said that Leeds won't actively look to sell Tanaka this summer, but the player himself could look to jump ship if he is replaced.

Shea Charles transfer push asks questions of Tanaka's future

Leeds are pushing to sign Southampton's Shea Charles, and have come back after an initial £20million bid was rejected by the Saints.

The Whites are said to have submitted another bid, this time in the region of £25m for the Northern Irish international.

If Farke were to land Charles, the 21-year-old would instantly provide Tanaka with even more competition.

You have to think that Leeds would not spend that type of money if he weren't in plans to become a regular starter straight away.

It doesn't bode well for Tanaka's aspirations to start.